Garment and system for post surgery clothing enhancement

ABSTRACT

Provided herein is a garment configured for use following upper body surgery, the garment comprising a front comprising at least one of a fixed volume of material in the breast area and a fastener configured to receive an accessory module; a back; a neckline configured to withstand gaping; and a front and back expandable element below the breast area. Also provided are an accessory module and a garment and module system for use following surgery.

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 61/527,541 entitled “Apparatus and system for post surgery clothing enhancement” and filed on Aug. 25, 2011 for Cynthia Dymally, which is incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

This invention relates to specialized clothing for post-surgery use and more particularly relates to a system of upper body clothing for post-mastectomy use with or without a breast prosthetic.

BACKGROUND

One out of every eight women will develop invasive breast cancer over the course of a lifetime. This widespread problem affects people of all backgrounds. In 2010 there were more than 2.5 million breast cancer survivors in the United States alone. Consequently, a great number of women throughout the world have undergone breast surgery. Women who do not receive breast implants need comfortable and graceful clothing to conceal the amputation and enhance the women's confidence and beauty. The garment and system disclosed herein provides a style conscious, ergonomic, and affordable alternative clothing solution.

SUMMARY

Provided herein is a garment configured for use following surgery and more particularly upper body surgery. In some embodiments the garment comprises a front side and a back side, at least one of a fixed volume of material across the breast area and a fastener configured to receive an attachable accessory, a neckline configured to withstand gaping, and a front and back compression element below the breast line. In certain embodiments the garment is a short “shell” ending in the vicinity of the hip line. The neckline of the garment sometimes comprises elastic and may comprise a stretchable fabric. The front side of the neckline may comprise a fabric stiffening agent. In various embodiments the front side of the neckline comprises an upward arc. In certain embodiments at least one of the neckline opening, an armhole opening, and the compression element below the breast line comprises elastic. The fastener may comprise, without limitation, a hook fastener, a snap fastener, and elastic fastener, a zipper fastener, a button fastener, a loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a frog fastener, a slide fastener, a pressure fastener, an adhesive, a medical adhesive, and a Velcro type fastener, and the like.

In certain embodiments as provided herein the fixed volume of material comprises at least one of a drape, a cowl, a ruffle, a scarf, a smocking, a ruching, a panel, shaped fabric, stitched fabric, gathered fabric, knit fabric, a non-fabric material, an interior padding, and an area of sheer material inserted within the extent of the fixed volume of material. The garment sometimes comprises a pocket configured to receive a breast prosthetic.

In some embodiments the garment comprises at least one strap, which may be fixed, adjustable, elastic, detachable, or removable. In certain embodiments at least one strap removeably fastens to the garment front. The garment sometimes comprises a drain pouch configured to receive the discharging end of a post-surgical drain tube. The pouch may be either fixed or removable.

In various embodiments of the garment provided herein the front and back compression element is configured to hold the garment closely to the body of the user and the garment has a vertical extension of at least one of immediately below the breast line, waist length, and hip length. The vertical extension is sometimes configured as a swim suit or body suit, comprising a closed crotch area with leg openings.

In certain embodiments the garment is configured to be worn upon hospital discharge and during recovery from upper body surgery and the garment front and back comprise an elastic recovery tube further comprising a fixed volume of material over at least the breast area and an extension of material attached to the lower edge of the elastic tube and configured to hide a drain bulb pouch.

In various embodiments as provided herein the garment further comprises a cut out area that is at least one of open and filled, having the garment material adjacent to the cut-out area attached to the filling material or configured to attach with adhesive to the body of the user.

Further provided herein in some embodiments is an outer garment configured to be worn over the disclosed garment. In certain embodiments the outer garment comprises a front, a back, a side vent at the juncture of the front and the back and a fastener. The outer garment may further comprise a sleeve comprising at least one of sheer material, translucent material, opaque material, and UV light deflecting material.

Further provided in some embodiments is an accessory module configured for use with the garment or the garment cover and comprising a decorative panel and at least one fastener corresponding to the fastener on the garment, garment cover, the fastener configured to receive a removal strap, or a fastener on a second accessory. The body may comprise a decorative panel, a decorative object, an object, a strap, a sleeve, and a belting module.

The decorative panel of the accessory module may extend across at least half of the horizontal front of the garment, at least one shoulder of the garment, the front and back of the garment, from at least one of the front and back of the garment around the neck of the user to at least one of the front and back of the garment, continuously around at least one of the front and back of the garment, and vertically downward from the center front of the neckline on the garment to create an illusion of cleavage.

In some embodiments the accessory module provided further comprises a fastener positioned at the center of the neckline or below the center of the neckline and configured to receive at least one of the upper and lower extreme of a vertical decorative element, or a vertical object of sufficient weight to compress the fabric of the decorative front panel and create an illusion of cleavage. The accessory module sometimes further comprises a fastener positioned at the lower edge of the attachable accessory and configured to receive the lower extreme of the said vertical decorative element, so as anchor the vertical decorative element and compress the fabric of the attachable accessory, creating an illusion of cleavage.

In certain embodiments the accessory module is configured attach to the front and back of the garment in place of the removable strap. The accessory module may comprise a strap element, a fastener corresponding to the fasteners for the removable strap on the front or back of the garment. The accessory module sometimes further comprises a sleeve.

Further provided herein is a belting module configured for use with the aforesaid garment. In some embodiments the belting module comprises a strip of sufficient length to encircle the garment at about waist level when worn by a user, a lengthwise fold down flap configured to hide a fastener, fastener configured to receive second fastener configured to engage the first fastener and fasten the belting element around the user, or to engage the fastener on a second accessory.

Further provided herein is a system for use following upper body surgery, the system comprising a garment comprising a front comprising at least one of a fixed volume of material in the breast area and a fastener configured to receive an attachable accessory, a back, a neckline configured to withstand gaping, and a front and back expandable element below the breast area; and an accessory module comprising an accessory body and a fastener corresponding to at least one of a fastener on the garment, a fastener on a garment cover, a fastener configured to receive a removable strap, and a fastener on a second accessory, and wherein the accessory body comprises at least one of a decorative panel, a decorative object, an object, a strap, a sleeve, and a belting module.

Reference throughout this specification to features or similar language does not imply that all of the features that may be realized with the present invention should be or are present in any single embodiment of the invention. Rather, language referring to the features is understood to mean that a specific feature or characteristic described in connection with an embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, discussion of the features and characteristics, and similar language, throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, and characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific features or characteristics of a particular embodiment. In other instances, additional features and characteristics may be recognized in certain embodiments that may not be present in all embodiments of the invention.

These features and characteristics of the present invention will become more fully apparent from the following description and appended claims, or may be learned by the practice of the invention as set forth hereinafter.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A depicts an outside front view of an embodiment of a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 1B depicts an outside back view of an embodiment of a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 2 depicts an outside front view of an embodiment of a garment configured with a fixed upper body volume of material and an arched neck configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3A depicts an inside front and back view of an embodiment of a garment comprising a fixed padding for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 3B depicts an inside front and back view of an embodiment of a garment comprising a pocket to receive and retain a breast prosthetic according to the present invention;

FIG. 4A depicts an inside front and back view of an embodiment of a garment comprising a drain pouch, a prosthetic pocket, and a detachable shoulder element for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 4B depicts an outside ¾ view an embodiment of a garment configured with a detachable shoulder element for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 5 depicts an outside front view of an embodiment of a garment cover configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 6 depicts an outside and inside front view of an embodiment of a garment configured with hidden fasteners for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 7 depicts an outside front view of an embodiment of a compression tube garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 8 depicts an outside ¾ view of an embodiment of a garment configured with a fitted bodice for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9A depicts an outside front view of an embodiment of a garment configured with a fixed upper body volume of material for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 9B depicts a back outside view of an embodiment of a garment for use following surgery and comprising a cut-out area in accordance to the present invention;

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a system for an attachment module for use with a garment following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of diagonal attachment module for use following surgery with a garment in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 12 depicts an outside ¾ view of an embodiment of an attachment module on a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 13 depicts an outside front view of an embodiment of an attachment module on an over garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of a strap module for a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 15 depicts an embodiment of a sleeve module for a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 16 depicts an embodiment of an over shoulder panel for a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 17 depicts an embodiment of an empire waist panel for a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 18 depicts an embodiment of a cleavage module for a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of a belting module for a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention;

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1A depicts an outside front view of an embodiment of a garment 100 configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the garment 100 may comprise a front panel 110, a back panel 120, a neck opening 112, an arm opening 114, a compression element 116, a fastener 130, a strap 140, a strap fastener 150, a side vent 160 for comfort and ease of fit, a fold down flap 170 and an optional cut away neck-arm opening 180. In various embodiments straps 140 attach to the front 110 and the back 120 of the garment 100 with fasteners 150. In certain embodiments the fasteners 150 facilitate adjustment of the straps 140. Fasteners 130 may be configured to connect with corresponding fasteners on other objects and may comprise, without limitation, a hook fastener, a snap fastener, an elastic fastener, a zipper fastener, a button fastener, a loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a frog fastener, a slide fastener, a pressure fastener, adhesive, medical adhesive, and a Velcro type fastener or the like. In certain embodiments the strap 140 is, without limitation, fixed, adjustable, elastic, detachable, and removable.

The compression element 116 may be attached to the inside or the outside or be integral to the garment front panel 110 and may be configured to secure the garment 100 to the torso of the wearer to prevent the garment 100 from riding up. The compression element 116 may, without limitation, be stitched or glued to the garment 100, be integral to the garment 100, be positioned in a horizontal channel of fabric or other material in the panels 110 and 120 of the garment 100, may be attached to a separate inner panel of the garment 100, and may comprise without limitation any type of elastic, a smocking pattern of any width, or any self-elastic material. In certain embodiments the compression element 116 may be continuous around the front panel 110 and the back panel 120 of the garment 100.

In some embodiments the fold down flap 170 is adjacent the neckline opening 112 and is attached to the garment on the upper lengthwise edge of the fold down flap 170 and open on the lower edge and so that the fastener 130 is positioned under the fold down flap 170 and is hidden when not in use. In certain embodiments the fold down flap 170 is configured to prevent gaping at the neck opening 112 by adding stiffness or tension. In some embodiments the garment back 120 may be cut away at a neck-arm opening 180, eliminating the corresponding strap 140 and strap fastener 150 and creating an off the shoulder design. The cut away neck-arm opening 180 may be on either the left or the right in various embodiments, allowing the user to choose which shoulder to expose and to maximize or minimize the coverage of either side of the chest. In certain embodiments the garment 100 is waist length, hip length, or longer.

FIG. 1B depicts an outside back view of an embodiment of a garment 100 configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the garment 100 comprises a back panel 120, a neck opening 112, an arm opening 114, a compression element 116, a fastener 130, a strap 140, a strap fastener 150, an optional cut away neck-arm opening 180, and a side vent 160 for comfort and ease of fit. In some embodiments the garment 100 may be cut away at a neck-arm opening 180, eliminating the corresponding strap 140 and strap fastener 150 and creating an off the shoulder design. The cut away neck-arm opening 180 may be on either the left or the right in various embodiments, allowing the user to choose which shoulder to expose and to maximize or minimize the coverage of either side of the back.

FIG. 2 depicts a cutaway outside front view of one embodiment of a garment 200 configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the garment 200 comprises an outside front panel 110, a vent 160, an arched neckline, 230, a strap 140, a strap adjustment 210, a fixed volume of material 220 over the breast area 240, a leg opening 250 and a closed crotch area 260. The fixed volume of material 220 may create an illusion of fullness in a breast area 240. In certain embodiments the fixed volume of material 220 comprises without limitation a drape, a cowl, a ruffle, a scarf, a smocking, a ruching, a panel, shaped fabric, stitched fabric, gathered fabric, knit fabric, a non-fabric material, and an area of sheer material inserted within the extent of the fixed volume of material. The arched neckline 230 may help to hold the garment front panel 110 securely against the body of the user and prevent gaping, particularly when bending or reaching. In some embodiments the arched neckline is reinforced with a stiffening agent. In some embodiments the garment front 110 and garment back 120 comprise a leg opening 250 and a closed crotch area 260 such that the garment 200 is configured as a body suit or swim suit.

FIG. 3A depicts an inside front and back view of an embodiment of a garment 300 for use following surgery comprising in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, the garment 300 comprises an inside front 320, an inside back 330, an compression element 116, built in padding 340, in the upper front panel 320, a strap 140, a strap fastener 150, and a vent 160. The built in padding 340 is configured to provide the wearer with ease and comfort and graceful bodice shaping without the weight and heat of a breast prosthetic. The user may select the padding 340 in the left breast position, the right breast position, or both. In certain embodiments the strap fastener 150 comprises an “S” hook such as is used to fasten brassiere straps. The garment portion of the strap fastener 150 is sometimes a loop or slot configured to engage the S hook. The removable straps 140 and fasteners 150 allow the straps to be removed and replaced for versatility and ease of dressing. The hem of garment 300 may be at bra length 360, waist length 370, at hip length 380 or longer. The side vent 160 provides ventilation and ease of fit.

FIG. 3B depicts an inside front and back view of an embodiment of a garment 300A configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, the garment 300A comprises an inside front 320, an inside back 330, a compression element 116, a pocket 350 configured to receive and secure a breast prosthetic, a strap 140, a strap fastener 150, and a vent 160. The user may select the pocket 350 in the left breast position, the right breast position, or both. In certain embodiments the strap fastener 150 comprises an “S” hook such as is used to fasten brassiere straps. The garment portion of the strap fastener 150 is sometimes a loop of slot configured to engage the S hook. The removable straps 140 and fasteners 150 allow the straps to be removed and replaced for versatility and ease of dressing. The hem of garment 300A may be at bra length 360, at waist length 370, at hip length 380 or longer. The side vent 160 provides ventilation and ease of fit.

FIG. 4A depicts an inside front and back view of an embodiment of a garment 400 configured for use during recovery from surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the garment 400 comprises a garment front 410, and garment back 420, a strap 460, back detachable strap element 430, a front detachable strap element 480, a fastener 440 a decorative element 450, a pocket 470 configured to receive and retain a breast prosthetic, and a compression element 116 configured receive a drain pouch 490. In certain embodiments the drain pouch 490 is removable. The strap element 430 may detach from the corresponding strap element 480 to permit ease of access and may be secured with the fastener 440. The opposite strap 460 may be closed. In certain embodiments the wearer may select which strap is open in order to minimize arm and shoulder movement near the surgical site and accommodate ease of dressing following surgery. The drain pouch 490 may be configured to receive post-surgery drainage tubes and accumulate drainage fluid.

FIG. 4B depicts a ¾ front outside view of an embodiment of a garment 400 configured for use during recovery from surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, the outside front of garment 400 comprises a garment front 410, a garment back 420, open strap elements 430 and 480, a decorative element 450, and a closed strap 460. The user may select a right or left position for the open strap elements 430 and 480 and the closed strap 460 for ease of dressing. In certain embodiments strap 460 may be open. In various embodiments open strap elements 430 and 480 may be closed.

FIG. 5 depicts an outside front view of an over garment 500 for use with a garment 100 configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. In some embodiments the over garment 500 comprises a sleeve 510, a front 520, a back 530, a vent 540, a fastener 560, and an optional neck-armhole cut away 550. The sleeve 510 may provide a graceful cover-up for various conditions including but not limited to surgery related edema. The optional neck-armhole cut away 550 may be positioned on either of the right and left side, allowing the user to select the positions of maximum and minimum coverage. In various embodiments the over garment 500 comprises a light weight or sheer material for coolness and style or a heavier material for warmth and coverage. In certain embodiments garment cover 500 comprises a front panel 520 and a back panel 530, but no sleeve 510. In certain embodiments the sleeve 510 may be a cap sleeve. In various embodiments the sleeve 510 may be short. In some embodiments the sleeve 510 may be mid-length. The sleeve 510 may sometimes be long or any intermediate length between a cap sleeve and long. In some embodiments the sleeve 510 is sheer and may be treated to deflect ultra violet light.

FIG. 6 depicts an outside and inside front view of an embodiment of a garment 600 configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the garment 600 comprises a front panel 110, an compression element 116, a back panel 120, a strap 140, a side vent 160, a fold down neck flap 170, a fold down arm flap 610, and fasteners 130. In certain embodiments the fold down flap 610 is attached lengthwise to the garment 600 at the armhole edge and is open on the inner edge. Fold down flaps 170 and 610 may hide the fasteners 130 when not in use. In various embodiments the fold down flap is fabric, knit fabric, stretch fabric, elastic, non-fabric or other material. The fold down neck flap 170 may help to secure the neckline from gaping. The straps 140 may be fixed, detachable, or removable.

FIG. 7 depicts an outside front view of an embodiment of a garment 700 configured for use upon hospital discharge and immediately following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the garment 700 comprises a surgical compression tube 710, a strap 720, a volume of material 730 in the breast area, an extension of material 740 at the lower extreme of the garment 700, a drain bulb 750 and a closure 760. The compression tube 710 may be functionally equivalent to the elastic tubes typically supplied by hospitals to aid in wound compression and healing. In some embodiments the closure 760 is a Velcro type pressure closure configured for ease of application. The volume of material 730 in the breast area may be fixed or detachable and is configured to add an illusion of fullness in the breast area. In various embodiments the extension of material 740 is configured to hide a postsurgical drain bulb. The volume of material 730 and extension of material 740 may comprise fabric or another material in a ruffle or other volume enhancing configuration and may be attractively colored or patterned to provide a sense of comfort and femininity to a newly postsurgical patient.

FIG. 8 depicts a ¾ front view of an embodiment of a garment 800 configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the garment 800 comprises a front panel 810, a back panel 820, a compression element 116, a torso panel of bra length 830, waist length 840, or hip length 850, and a vent 160. In certain embodiments the compression element 116 is configured to secure the garment 800 firmly to the body of the user beneath the breast line. In various lengths the garment 800 may be used for casual wear, exercise, sleep wear, or swim wear. The garment 800 sometimes comprises a built in padding 340 or a prosthetic pocket 350. In various embodiments the garment 800 may be constructed of light weight, soft, stretchable, or quick drying fabric depending on the intended use.

FIG. 9A depicts an outside front view of a garment 900 configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the garment 900 comprises a front panel 110, a compression element 116, a back panel 120, a side vent 160, a strap 140, a fastener 150, a fixed volume of material 910 in the breast area, an insert 920 and a neckline 930. In certain embodiments the insert 920 is a sheer fabric. The garment 900 may be configured, without limitation, for intimate wear, swim wear, and festive wear and be of bra length, waist length, hip length or various shirt lengths. In some embodiments the garment 900 may be configured as a swim suit or a body suit. The fixed volume of material 910 may comprise various fabrics and designs and the upper portion of the back panel 120 may be of various materials, opaque or sheer. The strap 140 may be fixed, detachable, or removable. In some embodiments the neckline 930 is configured to prevent gaping and may be sufficiently elastic to secure the garment to the body of the user in a strapless configuration.

FIG. 9B depicts an outside back view of a garment 900A configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the garment 900A comprises a front panel 110, an elastic element 116, a back panel 120, a neck strap 940, a fixed volume of material 910 in the breast area, a back panel cut out 950, a leg opening 250 and a closed crotch area 260. In some embodiments the garment 900A is open at the lower extreme. In various embodiments the garment 900A comprises a leg opening 250 and a closed crotch area 260 and is configured as a body suit or swim suit. In certain embodiments the back panel 120 is secured to the body of the user around the back panel cut out 950 using adhesive or medical adhesive such as It Stays, available from medi, and ActiveForever adhesive spray available from activeforever.com. The medical adhesive and sometimes the elastic element 116 secure the front panel 110 and the back panel 120 to the body of the user, while the cutout 950 allows the post surgical user to show off her beautiful, unscarred back. The back panel 120 may be brightly or subtly colored in various fabrics and the cutout may represent a variety of themes including without limitation clouds, surf, stars, or hearts.

FIG. 10 depicts an embodiment of a system 1000 for a garment configured for use following surgery according to the present invention. As depicted the system 1000 comprises a garment front 110, a fastener 130, a garment back 120, and an accessory module 1010 with an inside front surface 1020 comprising a fastener 1030 and sometimes comprising fasteners 1040 and 1042, and a decorative outside front surface 1060 sometimes comprising a fastener 1050. In certain embodiments fasteners 1030 are configured to attach to fasteners 130 on the garment front 110, including without limitation fasteners at the neckline, bodice sides, and other locations. In some embodiments fasteners 1040 and 1042 attach to a second module configured to compress the decorative outside front surface 1060 of the accessory module 1010 and create an illusion of cleavage. In certain embodiments the fastener 1050 is configured to receive the earpiece of eyeglasses, or another object configured to hang vertically, depressing the fabric of the decorative surface 1060 and creating an illusion of cleavage. The accessory module 1010 may comprise any type of fabric, leather, filament, fur, or other appropriate material. In some embodiments the accessory module 1010 may extend over the shoulders and cover only the upper bodice of area garment front 110 as shown. However, the accessory module 1010 may cover any portion or all of garment front 110 and the back panel 120 and may extend to any point over the arms of the wearer. While the drawings herein illustrate a decorative accessory with specific garment embodiments for simplicity it is understood that embodiments of the decorative accessory may be used with any of the garments provided herein.

FIG. 11 depicts an embodiment of an accessory module 1100 configured for use with a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, the accessory module 1100 comprises fasteners 1030, outer decorative surface 1140, 1150, or 1160 and may comprise inside front panel 1120 configured to attach to the garment front 110 left shoulder and side or inside front panel 1130 configured to attach to the garment front 110 right shoulder and side. In some embodiments the accessory module 1100 attaches to one shoulder of the garment front 110, and creates an illusion of fullness over half of the breast area. The accessory module 1100 may extend diagonally downward and may be either detachable or permanently attached to the garment front 110. The user may select left or right side coverage. The accessory module 1100 sometimes is limited to the bodice only, leaving the garment straps 140 uncovered.

FIG. 12 depicts an outside ¾ front view of an embodiment of an accessory module-garment combination 1200 for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted accessory-garment combination 1200 comprises a garment 100, a garment front panel 110, a garment back panel 120, a strap 140, a ventilation slit 160, and an accessory module 1010 comprising a decorative panel 1060. The accessory module 1010 may be configured to add fullness over the breast area of garment front 110 and may be detachable or permanently attached. In various embodiments the accessory 1010 extends across the entire front of the garment front 110, or across any portion of the garment front 110. The decorative panel 1060 may comprise, for non-limiting example, artificial flowers with vertical ruffles, a flower petal pattern with pearls, bias chiffon ruffles, bubble chiffon with netting, horizontal or vertical ruffles, and artificial flowers over chiffon. It is understood that the accessory module-garment combination 1200 as provided herein may is not limited to the depicted embodiment but may comprise any combination of the garments and accessories herein provided.

FIG. 13 depicts an outside front view of an embodiment of an accessory module-garment cover combination 1300 for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the decorative module-garment cover combination 1300 comprises a garment cover 500, a sleeve 510, a front 520, and back 530, a ventilation slit 540, an accessory module 1010 and a decorative front panel 1060. The accessory module 1010 may be configured to add fullness to the upper front of the garment cover 500 and may be removable or permanently attached. In various embodiments the accessory module 1010 extends across the entire breast area of the garment cover front 520, or across any portion of the garment cover front 520. It is understood that the accessory module-garment cover combination 1300 as provided herein is not limited to the depicted embodiment, but may comprise any combination of a garment cover and the modules or accessories provided herein.

FIG. 14 depicts an embodiment of a shoulder module 1400 to be used with a garment following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the shoulder module 1400 comprises a strap 1410, a fastener 1420, and decorative element 1430. In certain embodiments the shoulder module 1400 is removable. In some embodiments the shoulder module 1400 is permanently attached. The fastener 1420 may be a permanent means including without limitation self-material with the garment bodice, stitching, adhesive and the like. In some embodiments the shoulder module 1400 is removable and attaches to the garment with fastener 1440. The fastener 1440 may comprise without limitation a hook fastener, an S hook fastener, a snap fastener, an elastic fastener, a zipper fastener, a button fastener, a loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a frog fastener, a slide fastener, a pressure fastener, adhesive, medical adhesive, a Velcro fastener, and the like. The decorative element 1430 may be positioned at any point on the strap module 1400 or may comprise the entire strap 1410. The decorative element 1430 may sometimes comprise a ruffle. In some embodiments a decorative element 1440 comprises an extended ruffle. In certain embodiments a decorative element 1450 comprises a flower petal pattern which may sometimes comprise pearls or other additions. In various embodiments t decorative element 1460 may comprise the entire extent of the strap 1410. The decorative element may comprise other designs without limitation and may be constructed of any appropriate material. In some embodiments the shoulder module 1400 is configured to coordinate with an accessory module 1010.

FIG. 15 depicts embodiments of a sleeve module 1500 as worn with a garment 110 for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the sleeve module 1500 fastens to garment 100 under foldable flaps 610. The sleeve module 1500 may comprise a short sleeve 1510, a medium length sleeve 1520, or a long sleeve 1530. In some embodiments the sleeve module 1500 is a sleeve any intermediate length. The sleeve module 1500 may be constructed of any appropriate fabric or other material. In various embodiments the sleeve module is open at one or more of the inside, the outside, the front, and the back. In various embodiments the sleeve module is closed. In various embodiments the sleeve module is narrow, medium width, or wide. In certain embodiments the sleeve module 1500 is permanently attached to the garment 110. In various embodiments the sleeve module 1500 comprises a light weight or sheer material for coolness and style or a heavier material for warmth and coverage. In some embodiments the sleeve module 1500 is sheer and may be treated to deflect ultra violet light. In some embodiments the sleeve module 1500 is configured to coordinate with an accessory module 1010. It is understood that the drawing serves only as an example of some embodiments and that the sleeve module may be used with garment 100, over garment 500, or any garment disclosed herein.

FIG. 16 depicts an identical front and back view of an embodiment of an over shoulder module 1600 for use with a garment following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted, the over shoulder module comprises a body 1610 and a fastener 1620. In some embodiments the over shoulder module 1600 is permanently attached to the garment 100. The fastener 1620 may be a permanent means including without limitation self-material with the garment bodice, stitching, adhesive and the like. In some embodiments the shoulder module 1600 is removable and attaches to the garment with fastener 1640. The fastener 1640 may comprise without limitation a hook fastener, a snap fastener, an elastic fastener, a zipper fastener, a button fastener, a loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a frog fastener, a slide fastener, a pressure fastener, adhesive, medical adhesive, a Velcro fastener, and the like. The body 1610 may be constructed of any type of fabric, leather, filament, fur, or other appropriate material. In some embodiments the over shoulder module 1610 may extend over the shoulders and cover only the upper bodice of garment 100 as shown. However, the over shoulder module 1600 may cover any portion or all of a garment 100 and may extend to any point over the arms of the wearer. In some embodiments the lower extent of the over shoulder module 1600 may fall straight. In certain embodiments the lower extent of the over shoulder module 1600 may be diagonal from left to right or right to left. The edges of the body 1610 may be straight, scalloped, pinked, pointed, curved, and the like.

FIG. 17 depicts an identical front or back view of embodiments of a empire waist module 1700 for a garment 100 for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the empire waist module 1700 comprises a body 1710 and a fastener 1750. The body 1710 may comprise a short extent 1720, sometimes shortly below empire waist level, a medium extent 1730, sometimes at natural waist level, and a longer extent 1740, sometimes at hip level. The empire waist module 1700 may comprise any number of levels simultaneously as layered panels. The empire waist decorative accessory 1700 may comprise any type of fabric, panel, ruffle, leather, filament, fur, or other appropriate material. The empire waist module 1700 may be permanently fixed to the garment 100 or be removably attached via fastener 1750. The fastener 1750 may comprise without limitation a hook fastener, an S hook fastener, a snap fastener, an elastic fastener, a zipper fastener, a button fastener, a loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a frog fastener, a slide fastener, a pressure fastener, adhesive, medical adhesive, a Velcro fastener, and the like. It is understood that garment 100 is depicted here for illustration purposes only and that the empire waist module 1700 may be used with any appropriate garment.

FIG. 18 depicts an outside front view of an embodiment of a cleavage creator 1800 configured to be used with a garment following surgery in accordance with the present invention. As depicted the cleavage creator 1800 comprises accessory module 1010, fastener 1040, fastener 1042, a cleavage module 1810, fastener 1820, fastener 1830, and decorative element 1840. In some embodiments fasteners 1820 and 1830 on the cleavage module 1810 engage the fasteners 1040 and 1042 on the decorative module 1010 causing the cleavage module 1810 to depress the fabric of the decorative element 1060, creating an illusion of cleavage. The decorative element 1840 may comprise a variety of forms and may be attached to any part of the cleavage module 1810. In certain embodiments the cleavage module 1810 does not comprise a decorative element 1840. The fasteners 1820 and 1830 may comprise without limitation a hook fastener, an S hook fastener, a snap fastener, an elastic fastener, a zipper fastener, a button fastener, a loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a frog fastener, a slide fastener, a pressure fastener, adhesive, a Velcro fastener, and the like.

FIG. 19 depicts an embodiment of a belting module 1900 for a garment configured for use following surgery in accordance with the present invention. In some embodiments the belting module 1900 comprises a belt body 1910, a lengthwise fold down flap 1920, a fastener 1930 configured to engage second fastener and a second fastener 1940. In certain embodiments the fold down flap 1920 is configured to cover the fastener 1930. An accessory 1950 having a body 1960 and a fastener 1970 may engage the fastener 1930. The accessory 1950 may comprise a spiral, a vertical element, a ribbon, a streamer, a hologram, a light stick, or other appropriate element. In some embodiments the fastener 1930 may comprise a perforation, snap, hook, eye, grommet, loop, Velcro type fastener or the like and fasteners 1940 and 1970 may be configured to engage the fastener 1930.

Reference throughout this specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” or similar language means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodiment of the present invention. Thus, appearances of the phrases “in one embodiment,” “in an embodiment,” and similar language throughout this specification may, but do not necessarily, all refer to the same embodiment.

Furthermore, the described features, structures, or characteristics of the invention may be combined in any suitable manner in one or more embodiments. In the following description, numerous specific details are provided. One skilled in the relevant art will recognize, however, that the invention can be practiced without one or more of the specific details, or with other methods, components, materials, and so forth. In other instances, structures, materials, or operations that are known in the art are not shown or described in detail to avoid obscuring aspects of the invention.

The present invention may be embodied in other specific forms without departing from its spirit or essential characteristics. The described embodiments are to be considered in all respects only as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the invention is, therefore, indicated by the appended claims rather than by the foregoing description. All changes which come within the meaning and range of equivalency of the claims are to be embraced within their scope. 

1. A garment configured for use following surgery, the garment comprising: a front comprising at least one of a fixed volume of material in the breast area and a fastener configured to receive at least one of accessory module, a strap module, and a sleeve; a back; a neckline configured to withstand gaping; and a front and back compression element below the breast area.
 2. The garment of claim 1 wherein the neckline comprises at least one of elastic, a stretchable fabric, a fabric stiffening agent, and an upward arc.
 3. The garment of claim 1 wherein the fastener comprises at least one of a hook fastener, an S hood fastener, a snap fastener, an elastic fastener, a zipper fastener, a button fastener, a loop fastener, a magnetic fastener, a frog fastener, a slide fastener, a pressure fastener, adhesive, medical adhesive, and a Velcro type fastener.
 4. The garment of claim 1 further comprising a fold down flap adjacent to at least one of the neckline opening and the arm opening wherein the fold down flap is attached to the garment on one lengthwise side and open on the other and is configured to hide the fastener when the fastener is not in use.
 5. The garment of claim 1 wherein at least one of the neck edge, the armhole edge, and the compression element below the breast line comprises elastic.
 6. The garment of claim 1 wherein the garment front further comprises a pocket configured to receive and retain a breast prosthetic.
 7. The garment of claim 1 wherein the fixed volume of material comprises at least one of a drape, a cowl, an over-shoulder panel, a ruffle, a scarf, a smocking, a rushing, a panel, shaped fabric, stitched fabric, gathered fabric, knit fabric, a non-fabric material, an interior padding, and an area of sheer material inserted within the extent of the fixed volume of material.
 8. The garment of claim 1 further comprising at least one strap wherein the strap is at least one of fixed, adjustable, elastic, detachable, and removable.
 9. The garment of claim 8 wherein at the least one strap removably fastens to at least the front of the garment and further comprising a drain pouch configured to receive the discharging end of a post-surgical drain tube wherein the drain pouch is at least one of fixed and removable.
 10. The garment of claim 1 configured to be worn upon hospital discharge and during recovery from upper body surgery, wherein the garment front and back comprise an elastic recovery tube and wherein the garment further comprises a fixed volume of material over at least the breast area and an extension of material attached to the lower edge of the elastic tube and configured to hide a drain bulb pouch.
 11. The garment of claim 1 further comprising a cut-out area that is at least one of open and filled and having the material adjacent to the cut-out area at least one of attached to the filling material and configured to attach with adhesive to the body of the user.
 12. The garment of claim 1 wherein the front and back compression element is configured to hold the front and back of the garment closely to the body of the user below the breast line and wherein the garment has a vertical extension of at least one of immediately below the breast line, waist length, and hip length.
 13. The garment of claim 12 wherein the vertical extension further comprises a closed crotch area and leg openings, the garment comprising material appropriate for at least one of a body suit and a swim suit.
 14. An garment cover configured to be worn over the garment of claim 1, wherein the garment cover comprises a front, a back, a fastener configured to receive an accessory module, a ventilation slit at the juncture of the front and the back, and at least one of a finished armhole and a sleeve, the sleeve comprising at least one of sheer material, translucent material, opaque material, and UV light deflecting material.
 15. An accessory module configured for use with at least one of a garment and an garment cover, the accessory module comprising a fastener corresponding to at least one of a fastener on the garment cover, a fastener on the garment, a fastener configured to receive a removable strap, and a fastener on a second accessory; and an accessory body comprising at least one of decorative panel, a decorative object, an object, a strap, a sleeve, and a belting module.
 16. The accessory module of claim 14 wherein the accessory body extends across at least one of at least half of the horizontal front of the garment, at least one shoulder of the garment, across at least one of the front and the back of the garment, from at least one of the front and back of the garment around the neck of the user to at least one of the front and back of the garment, continuously around at least one of the front and back of the garment, and vertically downward from the center front neckline of the garment to create an illusion of cleavage.
 17. The accessory module of claim 14 wherein the accessory module is at least one of fixed and detachable and comprises at least one of a drape, a cowl, a sleeve, an over-shoulder panel, an empire waist panel, a ruffle, a scarf, a smocking, a rushing, a panel, shaped fabric, stitched fabric, gathered fabric, bubble fabric, fur, leather, filament, knit fabric, non-fabric material, and UV light deflecting material.
 18. The accessory module of claim 14 further comprising a fastener positioned in at least one of the neckline center and below the neckline center of the accessory body and configured to receive at least one of the upper and lower extreme of a at least one of vertical object and a second accessory of sufficient weight to compress the underlying fabric and create an illusion of cleavage.
 19. The belting module of claim 14 comprising a strip of material of sufficient length to encircle the garment at about waist level when worn by a user, a lengthwise foldable flap attached to the strip of material and configured to cover a fastener, a first fastener configured to secure the belting module around the body of the user, and a second fastener configured to receive at least one of the first fastener and a corresponding fastener on a second accessory.
 20. A system for use following upper body surgery, the system comprising a garment comprising a front comprising at least one of a fixed volume of material in the breast area and a fastener configured to receive an attachable accessory, a back, a neckline configured to withstand gaping, and a front and back compression element below the breast area; an accessory module comprising an accessory body and a fastener corresponding to at least one of a fastener on the garment, a fastener on a garment cover, a fastener configured to receive a removable strap, and a fastener on a second accessory, and wherein the accessory body comprises at least one of a decorative panel, a decorative object, an object, a strap, a sleeve, and a belting module. 